Becoming a Contagious Christian

The book is dated, both by the fact that it was written in 1994, well before social media or even widespread internet, and by the revelation that the author didn't always live by the principles that he wrote. But there's still good stuff here.

All Christians are called to share the Good News, but are usually not told how. In the book, he lays out how. It can be summed up in one formula:

HP (high potency) + CP (close proximity) + CC (clear communication = MI (maximum impact)

People are “not interested in committing their lives to Christ unless they observe attractive and consistent patterns of living in the Christians they know.” That's why it's important to work on your own walk with God and living a life of authenticity, compassion, and sacrifice.

Close proximity is important because most people don't want to have deep, personal conversations with people they don't know. But they will with good friends.

And clear communication is vital because if someone is going to accept the Gospel, you have to be able to explain it as well as demonstrate it.

Hybels gives good examples for each of these things. Again, some of his examples are dated, but you can apply the principles to today.